My Favorite Gravel Gear

When it comes to gear for riding gravel, I have used a lot of different products over the years and some I have abandoned while others have become a staple for every ride.  Below I will highlight some of my favorite gravel gear.

Garmin Edge 1000

The Garmin Edge 1000 has helped me explore many new gravel routes that I have planned out on RideWithGPS and others that were recommended by friends.  Loading GPX and TCX files into the unit is easy and they keep me on course without ever missing a turn.  With a long battery life and customized settings, I can set it up the way I like it and not have to worry about it dying in the middle of a ride.  The 3-inch high-resolution color touchscreen display is easy to read in a variety of lighting situations.  If I don't have a route in mind I can input a distance and choose from up to 3 round-trip ride options while out on the bike.  The Garmin Edge 1000 takes out all the worry of navigation and lets you enjoy the ride.  Available from Garmin, Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops for $499.99.

SaltStick Caps

SaltStick Caps are new for me but when put to the test at the Almanzo 100 they performed perfectly.  They were recommended by a friend to relieve or diminish cramping on long rides with significant elevation gain.  They are an electrolyte capsule containing sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium that helps keep balanced electrolyte blood levels.  This combination helps minimize cramping, fatigue and heat stress.  With all of the wind and climbing at this year's Almanzo 100, I didn't experience any leg cramping which had been a problem for me at previous Almanzo races.  Not having to deal with leg cramps on big climbs was a huge plus for me.  They definitely work.  Available directly from SaltStick in 30 count ($13) and 100 count ($22) bottles, Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops.

Banjo Brothers Large Frame Pack

The Large Frame Pack from Banjo Brothers is a newer addition to their frame pack line.  Made from Heavy-duty 1680 Ballistic Fabric it is a tough bag with waterproof zipper access from both sides.  This pack is big enough to hold your tool kit, spare tube and food for a long day out on the gravel.  It can also accommodate hydration bladders up to 100 fluid ounces (3L) if you prefer to carry water on your bike instead of your back. The easy open zippers provide quick access to food so you can continue your ride without stopping.  Available from Banjo Brothers, Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops for $39.99.


GeigerRig Hydration System Packs

The difference between GeigerRig Hydration Systems and other hydration packs is that they provide a pressurized spray to drink.  Pressurize the pack before a ride and simply bite on the valve to deliver water.  This makes hydrating much easier, especially if you are out of breathe after a sprint or big climb.  I have the Rig and Rig 500 and pick the appropriate pack for the distance and conditions of a ride.  When I want to travel light and don't need storage in the pack I will use the Rig.  For longer rides where I may need a little pack storage to peel off and store layers or extra food, I will use the Rig 500.  Staying hydrated is key and I found that I will drink more to replenish lost fluids using the GeigerRig pack because of its convenience more than just water bottles alone.  The Rig and Rig 500 both come with a 2L hydration engine and are available direct from GeigerRig for $115 and $135.

Banjo Brothers Cue Sheet Holder

The Banjo Brothers Cue Sheet Holder has long been a favorite of mine and many other gravel cyclists.  I used it the last two years at Almanzo and it worked flawlessly.  By laminating the cue sheets and rounding off the corners they could be changed to the next one easily while riding.  If you don't have a gps device or are doing a ride/race where the course is revealed at check-in with cue sheets for navigation, you're going to want one of these.  It mounts to bars and stem quickly using Velcro straps, zip ties or twist ties.  Available from Banjo Brothers, Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops for $7.99.

Revelate Designs Mountain Feedbag

I put the Mountain Feedbag from Revelate Designs to the first major test at Almanzo and loved them.  I mounted two of them on my stem/bars and filled them with a variety of gels, snacks and SaltStick Caps for a long day in the saddle.  The drawcord closure was easy to open one-handed while riding and their convenience made sure I was refueling throughout the day.  The mesh side pockets are perfect for stashing empty gel packs and wrappers.  The lower tension strap that wraps around the fork crown made sure they stayed in place with very little movement, even when digging into them to grab something to eat.  They are even big enough to hold a water bottle.  The Mountain Feedbag comes in a variety of colors and is available from Revelate Designs, Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops for $39.

TOGS

I have been using TOGS thumb grips for almost a year now for Winter fatbiking, mountain biking and gravel riding and they quickly became a favorite.  I use them mostly when riding gravel as they provide climbing leverage and an alternate hand position on the bars for those long rides.  Unlike drop bars, straight bars don't offer a variety of different hand positions so it's nice to be able to change things up without the use of bar ends.  Pictured above is the carbon hinged model which installs quickly without removal of the grips.  They are available from TOGS for $35.  TOGS also has a Dupont Zytel ring version in a variety of colors for $23.

Holiday Gift Ideas for Cyclists-Part 1

Now that the holidays are almost here, I have put together a list of some cycling products that are sure to please the cyclist on your list.  Some of these items are new while others have been around for a while.  I will have more gift ideas coming up in part 2 of this post.

Banjo Brothers Large Frame Pack

$40

Banjo Brothers came out with their Large Frame Pack last Summer which gave gravel riders, commuters and bikepackers even more storage space than their small and medium frame packs.  This 200 cubic inch (5.75 H x 19 L x 2 W) frame pack gives the rider plenty of space for food and gear on those long rides.  It will also accommodate up to a 100 oz hydration bladder for those that prefer to carry water on the bike instead of their back.  Available from Banjo Brothers, Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops.  

Wolf Tooth Singletrack Pogies

$125

Wolf Tooth Components introduced its new Singletrack Pogies at Interbike and they are now available just in time for Winter.  These pogies are made from waterproof and durable rip-stop nylon and have three warmth settings (Warmest:  Cuff up, zipper closed, Warmer: Cuff up, zipper open, Warm (singletrack mode): Cuff folded down) to adapt to changing weather conditions.  Wolf Tooth's proprietary quarter-turn bar plug mounting system makes for easy attachment and removal.  Compatible with most flat bars with an inner diameter between 17.4mm and 20mm.  Additional sets of bar plugs are available to make switching them between bikes a breeze.  Available from Wolf Tooth Components and some fine bike shops.

Race Face Aeffect Pedals

$120

Race Face introduces their new Aeffect platform pedals which are perfect for the fatbiker, mountain biker or downhill enthusiast.  These lightweight, thin concave pedals have a 6061 T-6 aluminum body and chromoly steel axle with cartridge bearings and DU bushings.  The large platform (101x100mm) contains 20 SHCS hex traction pins per pedal for extra bite to keep feet positioned without slipping.  Weighs only 375gr and comes in Black, Blue or Red.  Available at Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops.

Sticky Pod

$15/$18

 

From MilesWide Industries, maker of cycling products designed by cyclists, comes the Sticky Pod.  This utility pack was first introduced in 2009 as a lightweight and water resistant pod for cyclists to store essential items like CO2 cartridges, tubes, tools, etc.  The Sticky Pod fits easily in a jersey pocket or hydration pack and the grippy surface on the back keeps it in place.  It even has a touchscreen pocket for your smartphone.  Large and Small Sticky Pods in Black and Camo are available from the MilesWide Industries website.

Saris Freedom SuperClamp

$430/$800

Saris has long been a leading manufacturer of all types of vehicle bike racks and with the introduction of the Freedom SuperClamp, they have one of the best tray racks on the market.  Available in 2-bike and 4-bike models, the SuperClamp holds bikes of any type and with the addition of Fat Tire Wheel Holders, can accommodate fatbikes with 5" tires.  This is by far the best rack I have ever owned and the most stable.  With its ratcheting arms, tire trays and no frame contact clamp design it is quick and easy to load and unload bikes.  Comes with a hitch pin lock to lock the rack securely to your vehicle.  Fits 1¼" and 2" receiver hitches.  Available from the Saris website, Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops.

Inspired to Ride Movie

$13-$25

Inspired To Ride is a documentary by Mike Dion about the inaugural year of the Trans Am Bike Race which takes a small group of unsupported cyclists from coast to coast across 10 states and 4233 miles.  This road trip along the TransAmerica Trail comes with many hardships, stories and beautiful scenery.  Available on DVD/BluRay + Digital Download and Digital Download with or without Extra Paks.  Also available on iTunes and Amazon.com.

My Favorite Fatbike Accessories-Part One

Winter is here and to quote Guitar Ted, "White is the new dirt".  Cold weather brings on a whole different experience and there are a lot of fatbike accessories to make riding a little more comfortable and easier to carry the gear needed for those longer rides.  Below are some of my favorite items that I use regularly throughout the Winter.

Pogies and Heated Grips

Hands are usually the first to get cold and there are a couple of ways in addition to gloves to keep them warm.  Warm fingers are more dexterous for shifting and braking and using pogies (handlebar mitts) and/or heated handlebar grips do the trick nicely.  I have a pair of Stellar Bags pogies made by a local Twin Cities cyclist who no longer makes and sells them but there are plenty of others out there on the market.  Some of these include 45NRTH, Revelate Designs, Dogwood Designs, Bar Mitts and Gup Gum Gear.  Pogies do a great job of protecting your hands from the elements, especially the wind which can cool down hands fast and they let you ride wearing lighter gloves.

A'ME Ergo Tri Heated Mountain Bike Grips do a great job at keeping hands warm and toasty on very cold rides.  These grips feature bluPulse™ ‘Adaptive Thermal Regulation’ technology with six different temperature settings that can be selected by pushing a button.  They are powered by a rechargeable 11.1 volt Lithium-Ion Polymer Battery Pack that can be mounted to a frame tube or handlebar stem and have watertight connectors.  Battery life varies depending on the setting chosen, but I usually get about three hours using the lowest setting that keeps my hands comfortable.  For more information, read my full product review.  These grips in combination with gloves and a good set of pogies will keep hands warm for hours in bitter cold temperatures letting you ride longer and more comfortably.

Frame Bag

A frame bag allows me to carry gear, snacks and my tool kit for those times I want to travel light.  Access to bag contents can even be done while riding without having to stop.  I will sometimes stash my water bottle in the main compartment of the bag giving it a little protection from the cold so it doesn't freeze up as quickly.  A good bag should be made with fabrics that have a durable water-repellent finish to keep contents dry on rides in slushy or wet conditions.  Frame bags can be purchased for specific bike models, custom made for a perfect fit and some are universal fit.  I had mine custom made by a local cyclist (Gup Gum Gear) for my mountain bike but the triangle on my 9:Zero:7 was so similar that it fit perfectly. 

Pedals

Pinned flats or clipless for Winter riding?  I will use both depending on the trail conditions.  Most of the time I like to clip in for the increased pedaling efficiency and power transfer but when conditions turn icy I switch to flats in case I need to put a foot down in a hurry.  The flats I use are actually a downhill mountain bike pedal by Xpedo, the Face Off 18.  I chose this pedal for its large platform with an open cage that doesn't build up with snow and ice.  They also have 20 replaceable pins on each pedal that helps me maintain a firm grip even when they become icy.  I'm currently using a set of Crank Brothers Candy 3's which I like for the easy in and out clipping over SPD pedals.  I am thinking of  switching to Crank Brothers Eggbeaters to eliminate the platform that the Candy pedals have to prevent ice and snow build up. 

Boots

I have two pairs of boots for Winter riding, Columbia Bugaboot Plus II Omni-Heat and my newest addition, the 45NRTH Wölvhammer.  I rode with flat pinned pedals all last Winter and the Bugaboots gripped the flats really good and the Omni-Grip outsole grabbed nicely on a variety of ice and snow covered surfaces. They are very lightweight and flexible making them a good choice for cycling.  The Bugaboots kept my feet warm on rides which usually lasted two to four hours.  During extreme cold where temperatures were sub-zero, my feet would start to get cold and toe numbness would set in.  To help extend ride time I would pair the Bugaboot with Grabber Toe Warmers and Foot Warmers.  For More information on the Columbia Bugaboot Plus II Omni-Heat, read my full product review.

The Wölvhammers, though a bit spendy are very well insulated, waterproof and breathable, three things I want in a Winter cycling boot.  When riding clipless, which is most of the time now, these are my go to boots.  I bought the next size up from what I normally wear to accommodate thicker wool socks for when it really gets cold.  These boots are new for me but I already love the comfort, feel and warmth they provide and would recommend them for cold weather fatbiking.

I will continue with more of my Faviorite Fatbike Accessories in two more upcoming posts.

Product Reveiw: GeigerRig Rig 500 Ballistic

Staying hydrated while cycling, especially during long rides or hot weather, is very important and when I used water bottles I did not drink as much as I should have.  Taking my hands off the bars to grab the water bottle and drink was somewhat inconvenient especially when riding singletrack or hilly gravel roads.  This resulted in waiting until I was thirsty and gulping instead of continually sipping small amounts to remain hydrated.  A hydration pack definitely makes drinking during rides much easier and can be done while both hands are on the bars.

I first saw GeigerRig pressurized hydration packs and a demonstration of their Hydration Pack Engine at Interbike last year.  The pressurization feature and their durable Ballistic Nylon construction set GeigerRig's packs apart from traditional hydration packs.  Immediately I knew I wanted to try out one of their packs on my rides and see the difference for myself.  I needed a pack that was lightweight with enough storage for small items, maybe a jacket and had a 2L reservoir.  The Rig 500 seemed like the perfect fit.

 After receiving the Rig 500 from GeigerRig, I put it to the test on many gravel training rides, the Almanzo 100 and the Tour of Filmore, mountain biking on both the 29'er and fatbike and commuting to work (48 miles round-trip).  This was more than enough to get a feel for the performance of this pack.

Image Credit: Kristin Clark

I'll start with the pack itself which is constructed of 100% Ballistic Nylon making it super durable.  I have ridden in the rain with clothing in this pack and the Ballistic Nylon, though not waterproof, kept my stored items dry because it doesn't absorb much water.  The Rig 500 pack is full of these useful features:

• a pack handle for easy carrying when not wearing 
• two adjustable buckled compression straps to hold pack contents tight and secure
• two external pockets which are great for keys, snacks and other small items
• industrial size 8 coil zippers
• a sternum strap that is easily adjusted to help support the weight of the pack and to ensure proper fit, especially if loaded with gear
• a removable hip belt, which I did not use but may come in handy for hiking
• two zippered mesh pockets in the main compartment that have plenty of room for snacks, hats, gloves, spare tubes, socks, etc.
• shoulder straps that provide an ergonomic fit and support the load of the pack comfortably
• a bulb holder for the bulb pump located on the shoulder strap that is easily reached for quick pressurization or depressurization by turning the release valve at the top of the bulb
• main compartment with 500 cubic inches of dry capacity for larger items like a jacket, I have even carried a full size bath towel for showering when commuting to work
• storage compartment that holds the hydration engine (reservoir) securely in place without any movement or shifting

The 2L (70 oz) hydration engine (reservoir) has two compartments, one for air pressurization and another for water.  The quick release valves on the hydration engine do not leak and connect easily to the drink tube and the air tube that contains the bulb pump.  The top of the bladder has a slide seal that does not leak and a wide opening for easy filling with fluid and ice cubes. 

Once filled, connect the air and drink tubes and place into the hydration engine storage compartment in the pack and lightly pressurize using the bulb on the front of the shoulder strap.

I really enjoy using the Rig 500 for those hot summer days and long rides where I know I will need to bring enough water to stay hydrated.  I put it to the first real test on an all day ride at the Almanzo 100 back in May.  With the warm weather that day and all of the hill climbing that the Spring Valley countryside offered, I was glad I had it with me.  The most beneficial aspect of this hydration system was that I didn't have to suck to drink, all I had to do was bite down on the valve and water sprayed into my mouth.  This was a welcome feature when I was breathing heavily on big climbs and sprints.

The only problem I had with the Rig 500 was when the hydration engine was over-pressurized water flow would be cut off and I would have to turn the release valve on the top of the bulb pump to depressurize it restoring flow once again.  I am not sure if this was due to pinching of the water line or if it caused the quick release button at the connection to be pressed.  After a while I learned how to keep the pressure at an optimum level to not interfere with the flow.  Other than this, the Rig 500 worked perfectly and its size is just right for mountain biking and riding long distance gravel.  It had plenty of pockets and room for the things I needed to bring along for the ride.  The back pads of the pack have channels to provide some air flow but where the pack contacted my back sweating still did occur on warm days.  The shoulder straps are comfortable and the sternum strap helps support the weight of the pack more evenly.

Cleaning the hydration engine was very easy.  The bladder can be turned inside out and placed on the top rack of the dishwasher or washed by hand.  Afterward it can be set out to dry.  The drink tube can be pulled out of the pack to rinse but I usually just leave it in while resting the pack next to sink and putting the bladder connection end under the faucet squeezing the bite valve to allow flow through the tube.

After many rides I have come to rely on this high quality pack/reservoir combo.  The Rig 500 has the storage space that I need without being to big or bulky and fits comfortably.  The hydration engine is convenient to fill, connect and clean but my favorite feature is the ability to pressurize it.  A pressurized reservoir helps me continuously hydrate while riding where I may not if just using water bottles.

The GeigerRig Rig 500 is available direct from GeigerRig for $135 and comes with a 30 day money-back guarantee.

Disclosure:  GeigerRig provided the review sample for this article, but offered no other form of compensation for this review.

Product Review: Lone Peak Pfeifferhorn Handlebar Pack

I first learned of Lone Peak Packs last year at Interbike in Las Vegas where I met owner Gary Hubbert.  He showed me his full line of cycling packs that are designed and made right here in the USA.  The one pack that caught my eye was the Pfeifferhorn Handlebar Pack.  For me, this pack would become a great dual service bag that I would use year-round on the fatbike and road bike.

The Pfeifferhorn Handlebar Pack has 330 cubic inches of space to hold necessary items for those long rides.  The main compartment holds larger items while the smaller front compartment works well for items like keys, cell phones or snacks.  The three-point, multi-adjustable straps make mounting this bag easy for just about any type of handlebar set-up.  My Trek Crossrip Elite has interrupter brake levers or "cross levers" that can make mounting some handlebar bags difficult, but I had no problem securing the Pfeifferhorn Handlebar Pack to my bars.  It stayed in place without moving or swaying, even when loaded up with gear. A  polyethylene liner runs the full length of the pack to help keep its shape and support the weight of the items contained within.

The Ballistic Nylon fabric and flaps covering the zippers kept my gear dry during rainstorms and slushy, wet winter rides. 

I really liked this pack for winter fatbike rides, it had that extra space I needed for things like goggles, gloves, a balaclava and snacks.  I would bring what I needed or store what I didn't for changing weather conditions or all day rides.  It was nice having these things close at hand, I could remove my goggles or switch to a warmer pair of gloves and stash them in the pack without getting off the bike.

 

Once Winter was over and it was time to hit the road again, the Pfeifferhorn Handlebar Pack would become an essential part of my road bike gear.  Whether it was long distance gravel/road, commuting to work or just riding around Minneapolis, it held what I needed for the ride.

This is a quality handcrafted pack that has a good amount of storage space, stays put and is reasonably priced.  It comes with a lifetime warranty and its durable design and stitching should provide many years of useful service.  

The Lone Peak Pfeifferhorn Handlebar Pack is available from the Lone Peak online store for $39.95 and comes in Black, Blue, Red and Steel.

Disclosure:  Lone Peak provided the review sample for this article, but offered no other form of compensation for this review. 

Product Review: Banjo Brothers Waterproof Saddle Trunk

The Banjo Brothers Waterproof Saddle Trunk is a versatile bag that I have come to love.  I have put it to the test it in all types of weather on the fatbike and my road bike.  One of the things I like most is it gives me that extra carrying capacity without having to install a rack for a trunk bag.  This bag has a big 400 cubic inches (12.5” L x 7” H x 8.5” W) of space to carry what I need for those longer rides or commutes to work.
 

Installation is easy and only takes a few seconds.  With two straps that attach to the seat post and two more that secure to the saddle rails, it stays in place even when fully loaded.  Depending on the load of the bag, the saddle rail straps and the flap closure can be adjusted for a snug fit.

The outer pocket on the back flap of the Saddle Trunk is nice for little things like keys, money or a multi-tool and tire levers.  There is even a spot to attach a tail light.

The "waterproof" part of this bag is made possible by a replaceable welded liner.  I have been caught in the occasional downpour and my stuff didn't get wet, even without fenders.  This proved invaluable when commuting to work and arriving with a dry change of clothes. 

I found this bag especially useful for rides on the fatbike in the fall and winter.  It came in quite handy on those cool morning rides that turn into warm afternoon rides.  The compartment is big enough for me to ditch the jacket and gloves to continue riding without overheating.  Other items like goggles, pogies/gloves, snacks and extra water bottles easily fit into the Saddle Trunk so I was always prepared for changing weather conditions or an all day ride.  The waterproof qualities of the Saddle Trunk made sure my items stayed dry on warmer days where slush and puddles are common.

My overall impressions of the Waterproof Saddle Trunk are it is a quality bag at a reasonable price that keeps my items dry and has the extra storage space I need.  What more could I ask for?  With easy on and off installation it is very convenient to use with multiple bikes making it a flexible bag choice.  Along with the Banjo Brothers Frame Pack, it is standard equipment for all my long distance gravel/road rides and commutes to work.   

The Banjo Brothers Waterproof Saddle Trunk is available from the Banjo Brothers Online Store, Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops.

Disclosure:  Banjo Brothers provided the review sample for this article, but offered no other form of compensation for this review.